Summer Heat and How Temperatures Can Affect Your Plumbing

With the arrival of August, Renton and the rest of Western Washington are enjoying the sunny days and warm summer nights. While many people enjoy the heat and are happy to spend time in the sun, like many things in life, moderation is always best. Temperatures have been steadily increasing over the past few years and in 2021 the temperature reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the recorded temperature in Washington State history. 

Two years later and the record still holds, but it stands as a reminder for people to be aware of extreme temperatures and take precautions when outside. Staying in the shade, hydrating with water, and wearing sunblock are all excellent measures to take when dealing with the heat. However, humans aren’t the only things that the sun and high temperatures can have adverse effects on. Plumbing systems are also at risk when exposed to too much sun or higher temperatures and here’s how they are affected.

UV Sun Rays
When under constant exposure to sunlight, plumbing pipes are slowly broken down by the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays. Plumbing pipes are the protective outer layer of a plumbing system. A pipe’s job is to contain any water or liquid within itself. They carry water and waste away from your home or they bring it to your home. When pipes are exposed to uv rays, they can become brittle and weak.

Tree Roots
Tree roots have always been a potential issue for underground plumbing systems, but summer can greatly increase these issues. For many trees, summertime is their peak growing cycle and they tend to flourish in warmer weather. While growing, tree roots are naturally attracted to water and will grow towards water sources. Since plumbing pipes are usually filled with water, tree roots will find ways to get inside the pipes and begin growing through them. These roots can damage the integrity of your plumbing system, cause blockages, and leaks. 

Pipe Expansion
The most obvious way that heat can affect your plumbing is by causing the pipes to expand. Extreme heat can cause your pipes to expand and even worse, burst. If your pipes don’t burst from the high temperatures, the heat expansion can cause small holes or breaks in the pipes. This could cause the pipes to leak and over time, the leaks could grow larger causing flooding or immense damage to your home or plumbing system. 

The best way to protect your home and your plumbing system from heat or sun damage is by taking preventative measures. Make sure that your pipes are well insulated, that they are well hidden from sunlight, and that any roots are cleared away before they infiltrate your plumbing. Regular plumbing inspections are a great solution to ensuring your plumbing system is properly protected from heat and sun. 

If you think that your plumbing system might need some help this Summer, then call Trusted Plumbing & Heating for all of your plumbing needs in Renton!